Growing Kale (Sukuma Wiki) in Kisumu
Soil suitability analysis based on Kisumu's nutrient profile
Yes — Kisumu is well suited to Kale (Sukuma Wiki). Kisumu's soil (pH 5.54, slightly acidic) gives Kale (Sukuma Wiki) a suitability score of 84/100. Match fertilizer to Kisumu's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kisumu County is well suited to Kale (Sukuma Wiki), scoring 84/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. Local soils average pH 5.54 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–7 band Kale (Sukuma Wiki) prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.91 g/kg, P 12.5 mg/kg, K 166 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly clay soils suit Kale (Sukuma Wiki), which favours clay loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Kale (Sukuma Wiki) is the #13 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kisumu County. At current prices (about KES 20/kg) and a typical 12,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Kale (Sukuma Wiki) crop here can gross roughly KES 240,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kisumu soil | Kale (Sukuma Wiki) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.54 | 5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.91 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 12.5 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 166 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,200 mm | 700–1,800 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,150 m | 500–2,500 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Kisumu
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· September–November
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Kisumu's nitrogen (0.91 g/kg) is 76% of the 1.2 g/kg Kale (Sukuma Wiki) needs, so the standard 0.5 bags/acre is raised to 0.75. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Kisumu's 1,150 m altitude and 1,200 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag